duke it out
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Definition & Meaning of "duke it out"

to duke it out
01

to argue or fight until a disagreement is resolved

to [duke] it out definition and meaning
IdiomIdiom

What is the origin of the idiom "duke it out" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "duke it out" is believed to be associated with the word "duke" being used as a slang term for a fist. This suggests that the phrase originally referred to two individuals settling a dispute or engaging in a physical fight using their fists, hence "duking it out." While the precise historical origins of this expression may be somewhat unclear, it is commonly used in English to describe a situation in which two parties engage in a vigorous or intense conflict or competition to resolve a dispute or determine superiority. It signifies a heated and determined effort to resolve a conflict or determine a winner, and it can be applied to a variety of contexts, from sports competitions and business negotiations to personal disagreements or political debates.

02

to engage in a physical fight, typically using one's fists

What is the origin of the idiom "duke it out" and when to use it?

The idiom "duke it out" originates from the concept of bare-knuckle boxing in the 19th century. The term "duke" is thought to be a reference to the Duke of Cumberland, a famous fighter in that era. Over time, this phrase has evolved into a more general expression for any heated or intense confrontation that leads to a physical fight.

example
Example
Instead of letting their differences fester, the coworkers decided to duke it out in a constructive discussion to find common ground.
The action movie's climax features a thrilling scene where the hero and the villain duke it out in an epic fight.
In the schoolyard, the two bullies decided to duke it out after a heated argument.
After hours of heated negotiations, the two companies finally decided to duke it out and reach a compromise on the merger deal.
When tensions flared on the ice during the hockey game, the players dropped their gloves and started to duke it out in a fistfight.
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